Golf shoe spike guarding shield

ABSTRACT

For the protection of the spikes of golf shoes from wear and dullness when the golfer is walking on a hard surface, such as pavement, gravel or the like, there is provided detachable shields which extend laterally between the shoes, may be made in spaced pairs of rubber or the like for use on the heels and soles of the shoes to fit closely between and against the spikes and have gripping engagement with the sole portions of the shoes. The shield may also be a single piece of rubber or other yieldable substance for use in the arch portion of the shoe abutting the heel to prevent the spikes from engaging a solid surface when the golfer is walking on a hard unyielding surface that would dull the spikes.

United States Patent [72] inventor Edward L. Cicero 52-62 66th St., Maspeth, N.Y. 11378 [21] Appl. No. 858,631 [22] Filed Sept. 17, 1969 [45] Patented Apr. 13, 1971 [54] GOLF SHOE SPIKE GUARDING SHIELD 6 Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 36/7.6, 36/72 [51] Int. Cl A43b 3/10, A43b 13/22 [50] FieldofSearch 36/2.5,7.5, 7.6, 72

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 754,673 3/1904 Mitchell 36/72 Primary ExaminerPatrick D. Lawson Attorney-John J. Lynch ABSTRACT: For the protection of the spikes of golf shoes from wear and dullness when the golfer is walking on a hard surface, such as pavement, gravel or the like, there is provided detachable shields which extend laterally between the shoes, may be made in spaced pairs of rubber or the like for use on the heels and soles of the shoes to fit closely between and against the spikes and have gripping engagement with the sole portions of the shoes. The shield may also be a single piece of rubber or other yieldable substance for use in the arch portion of the shoe abutting the heel to prevent the spikes from engaging a solid surface when the golfer is walking on a hard unyielding surface that would dull the spikes.

Patented April 13, 1971 EDWARD L. Cicaao INVENTOR.

GOLF SHOE SPIKE GUARDING SHIELD One of the main objects of the invention is to provide a means that can be readily applied to golf shoes to prevent undue and unnecessary wear of the steel spikes themselves when the golfer is not walking on the earthen portions of the golf course. For instance, the golfer may have to make use of the club house or like facilities during a game, which club house may or may nothave the floor protected by rubber matting. If not protected by matting, the golfer wearing these guards or shields would be producing wear on the spikes as well as providing nonslip rubber traction on the smooth, slick tile flooring found in many clubhouses.

Even though golf spikes are replaceable and fairly inexpensive, a need exists for a device of this character. After the golf shoe is worn several times and it has been exposed to the elements...rain, dew, mud and numerous chemicals used in and around the greens there are usually spikes that need replacing, these usually being the most needed spikes which are used to apply power in the golf swing. These spikes are usually the ones that refuse to come out for replacement, being frozen to the mating receptacles inside the golf shoe sole, Usually upon applying excessive force to free them the receptacle spike combination will break loose from its anchor and rotate completely. When this happens, it is an expensive and time consuming repair. The spike must be drilled out or the shoe taken completely apart. By'the use of my spike guard shield many seasons of golfing pleasure can be obtained with the original spikes for little more than what one spike change would cost without considering the probably expensive repair costs, which all of the foregoing constitute other advantageous objects of the invention.

A still further object of the invention are the advantages obtained in the stowage of golf shoes when not in use whether they be stowed in a locker, car trunk, or bag. The spikes will be kept clean after the cleaning and brushing done to remove large particles of mud and grass. More importantly, the shields will protect other items from possible damage from unsheathed spikes.

A further object is brought out by the fact that there are many times the golfer is required to .walk on concrete, macadam, asphalt or the like in preparation for or during a round of golf. This applies particularly to the golfer who frequents the public links and does not subscribe to locker room facilities. These golfers use their automobile trunks as lockers to change into their golf shoes, then walk considerable distances on hard, spike-dulling concrete until they are actually on the first tee. After completing their round they are again forced to use the concrete walkways. By donning a pair of the shields disclosed herein, they would not only reduce wear on their spikes but would be less likely to slip and seriously injure themselves.

Thus this invention can solve many of the problems plaguing the average golfer. It will keep his equipment functioning longer as the manufacturer intended; will provide an added measure of safety and will afford better protection for his golf equipment at all times.

With these and other objects in view, the invention comprises certain constructions hereinafter described and then particularly pointed out in the claims and a preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which;

FIG. I is a side view of a golf shoe, indicated in outline, from the sole of which spikes protrude, to be protected by suitable shields, hoods or scabbards that are employed in pairs or in single units to preserve the sharpness of the spikes when the wearer walks on a hard surface which would ordinarily dull the sharpness of the spikes and do damage to the surface walked upon;

- FIG. 2 is a vertical view taken on the line 2-2 of FIG. I showing the full rear end view of a shield which extends across the heel of a shoe, the view showing the relative locations of the spikes, laterally of the heel, and the shape of the shield which is adapted to be detachably secured to the heel of the shoe;

FIG. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the cross-sectional shape of the molded shield and its cooperative position with the spikes and the gripping arms that are associated therewith and detachably retain the shield in its spike protecting position;

FIG. 4 is a section through the shield shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating the, modified shape of the latter in cross section to show that the heel body of the shield can be hollowed out to decrease the weight and to add resiliency to the structure;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 showing the application to the shoe of a single shield, hood or scabbard applied to the arch of the shoe intermediate the spikes of the heel and the sole portions of the shoe;

FIG. 6 is a view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5 showing the extent of the arch defined shield with its laterally disposed gripping arms for engaging the sole of the shoe at the outer edges thereof to securely hold the shield in place against and within the arch of the shoe; and

FIG. 7 is a vertical section on the line 7-7 of FIG. 5 showing a modified form of shield having a hollowed body portion.

Referring to the drawings in detail, and in particular to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4; 10 indicates a shoe commonly worn by golf players and providing a sole portion 11 having spikes 12 from the bottom surface of the shoe which are sharpened and project to give the golfer the usual foot-hold on the turf and prevent slipping. A shield 13 for the heel portion 14 of the shoe coacts with a shield 15 for the sole portion of the shoe and the shields may be secured together with a tie means 16 of any suitable material to prevent loss of the pieces. The shield I3 is shaped to provide a clamp in substantially U-form having a central laterally extending body portion 17 which, in a preferred form, is solid but may be hollow as at 18 in FIG. 4 for adding resilience and decreasing the weight of the shield.

The body 17 extends across under the heel, has an upper convex surface 19 for engagement with the bottom of the heel between spikes I2 and has straight or slightly tapered sides providing front and rear surfaces 21 with which the exterior surfaces of the spikes l2 engage, as seen in FIG. 3. The center of the body 17 is slotted as at 22 to give yielding resistance to the sidewise compression of the material of the body to frictionally maintain the shield in place. The body 17 is further provided with grooves which are designated as at 23 and are located adjacent the lower ends of the spikes to provide clearance therefor when the heel exerts a downward pressure particularly as in walking on a solid surface.

The bottom surfaces of the body 17 of both shields are convex and laterally fluted as at 24 to enhance the nonslipping action of the said shield 13 when walking on hard or slippery surfaces. The opposite sides of the shields are extended to provide integral gripping jaws 25 of substantially triangular shape terminating at the upper ends thereof in teeth 26 overlying the upper edges of the sole 11. It is evident that the jaws 25 have thickened lower portions where they are connected to the body 17 of the shield 13 and which may constitute hinge sections 26 which strengthen the jaws, help them exert a greater gripping action and provide the leverage for maintaining them in closed or sole engaging relation.

The bottom of the body 17 is shaped to provide the upper convex or arcuate surface 19, before mentioned, so that, in walking, a rocking motion is possible, which makes it more comfortable for the wearer in walking on hard surfaces such as encountered in and around the club and locker quarters of golf clubs. The hollow 18 of FIG. 4 also provides a more cushioned effect for the walking action. The forward or auxiliary shield I5 is made substantially as the heel shield 13 and securely fits between the spikes 12, to be held in place by its gripping jaws 25A.

A modified form for use as a single element, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 is substantially of the same structure as the previously described shields. The modified shield 27 is shaped to provide a rectangular body portion or body section 28, the upper surface of which is contoured to fit closely against the inner surface of the arch portion 29 of the sole ll, and at the rear edge to abut the forward face 31 of the heel 14 so that the shield is squarely seated and held by integral clamp arms or jaws 32 which include anchor teeth 33, upper finger extensions 34 and the hinge sections 35 all as above shown in connection with the shield 13.

The bottom of the body 28 is serrated laterally as at 36 to provide a gripping nonslip service and is flared at its sides as at 37 to provide extended ledges 38 which the heel and sole spikes engage to prevent damage thereto. The body 28, while shown solid, may be hollow as shown in FIG. 7 at 39 and in this connection it may be noted that the jaw arms will automatically fold inwardly when the shield is detached and packed for carriage to save space. The centrally disposed body will provide a lift so that in walking along pavement, linoleum or a hard surface the spikes do not touch the surface and are hence protected from dulling and wear. When the shield is to be removed, the jaws are simply pulled down and off the edge of the sole to release the shield so that it can be quickly removed.

My invention is not to be restricted to the precise details of construction shown since various changes and modification may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing the advantages to be derived from its use.

lclaim:

l. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof, including:

a. shield means extending across the bottom of the shoe;

b. a thickened body portion disposed centrally of said shield means for ground engagement;

c. said body presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof;

d. jaw means formed integrally with said body portion and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe;

e. said body portion being tapered from bottom to top on its rear and forward vertical faces for frictional engagement with the outer surfaces of the spikes; and

f. groove means adjacent said surface beyond the lower ends thereof to provide for vertical downward movement of the spikes free of the material of said shield body portion.

2. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under side of the sole and heel portion thereof, including:

a. said guard means constituting shield meanyplural body portions each having clamp arms extending upwardly at opposite sides thereof for yieldable engagement with the edges of the sole at opposite sides thereof;

b. each of said body portions presenting tapered sides for engagement with the spikes of the shoe;

c. the bottoms of said body portions being flared at the front and rear sides thereof and being arcuately shaped to provide laterally disposed flutes providing nonslip bottom faces for the body portions when worn on hard surfaces; and

d. flexible connecting means for uniting said plural body portions in pairs for attachment to the heel and sole sections of the shoe.

3. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof and constituting shield means;

a. a body portioned thickened in its lower section and shaped at the upper and lower faces thereof to provide arcuate surfaces; b. said body portionsfitting in the space between spikes,

and;

c. said arcuately lower face being laterally flared to extend beyond the lower ends of said spikes to protect the same from walking wear on hard abrasivesurfaces. 4. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof including shield means extending across the bottom of the shoes;

a. said shield means being shaped to provide a thickened body portion;

b. said body portion being shaped at its top surface to fit closely against the arch portion of the shoe so that the rearward side edge of said body portion abuts the forward face of the heel; and

c. said body portion being laterally flared at the opposite edges of the ground-engaging bottom thereof to underlie the adjacent spikes protruding from the heel and the sole of the shoe;

d. said body portion presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof; and

e. jaw means formed integrally with said body portions and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the soleat opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe.

5. Guard means for a pair of golf shoes having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions of the shoes including shield means extending across the bottom of the shoes, providing a body portion;

a. said body portion being substantially hollow to provide a cushion effect and for yieldably resisting the full downward movement of the arch of the shoe;

b. said shield means being shaped to provide a thickened body portion;

c. said body portion being shaped at its top surface to fit closely against the arch portion of the shoe so that the rearward side edge of said body portion abuts the forward face of the heel; and

(1. said body portion being laterally flared at the opposite edges of the ground-engaging bottom thereof to underlie the adjacent spikes protruding from the heel and the sole of the shoe;

e. said body portion presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof; and

f. jaw means formed integrally with said body portions and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe.

6. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof, including:

a. a thickened body portion disposed for ground engagement and having shield means extending across the bottom of the shoe;

b. said body portion presenting sloping sides for engagement between the spikes of the shoe; and

c. vertical grooves at opposite sides of said body portion for frictional holding engagement with said spikes;

d. said body portion presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof; and

e. jaw means formed integrally with said body portion and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe. 

1. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof, including: a. shield means extending across the bottom of the shoe; b. a thickened body portion disposed centrally of said shield means for ground engagement; c. said body presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof; d. jaw means formed integrally with said body portion and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe; e. said body portion being tapered from bottom to top on its rear and forward vertical faces for frictional engagement with the outer surfaces of the spikes; and f. groove means adjacent said surface beyond the lower ends thereof to provide for vertical downward movement of the spikes free of the material of said shield body portion.
 2. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the undEr side of the sole and heel portion thereof, including: a. said guard means constituting shield means, plural body portions each having clamp arms extending upwardly at opposite sides thereof for yieldable engagement with the edges of the sole at opposite sides thereof; b. each of said body portions presenting tapered sides for engagement with the spikes of the shoe; c. the bottoms of said body portions being flared at the front and rear sides thereof and being arcuately shaped to provide laterally disposed flutes providing nonslip bottom faces for the body portions when worn on hard surfaces; and d. flexible connecting means for uniting said plural body portions in pairs for attachment to the heel and sole sections of the shoe.
 3. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof and constituting shield means; a. a body portioned thickened in its lower section and shaped at the upper and lower faces thereof to provide arcuate surfaces; b. said body portions fitting in the space between spikes, and; c. said arcuately lower face being laterally flared to extend beyond the lower ends of said spikes to protect the same from walking wear on hard abrasive surfaces.
 4. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof including shield means extending across the bottom of the shoes; a. said shield means being shaped to provide a thickened body portion; b. said body portion being shaped at its top surface to fit closely against the arch portion of the shoe so that the rearward side edge of said body portion abuts the forward face of the heel; and c. said body portion being laterally flared at the opposite edges of the ground-engaging bottom thereof to underlie the adjacent spikes protruding from the heel and the sole of the shoe; d. said body portion presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof; and e. jaw means formed integrally with said body portions and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe.
 5. Guard means for a pair of golf shoes having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions of the shoes including shield means extending across the bottom of the shoes, providing a body portion; a. said body portion being substantially hollow to provide a cushion effect and for yieldably resisting the full downward movement of the arch of the shoe; b. said shield means being shaped to provide a thickened body portion; c. said body portion being shaped at its top surface to fit closely against the arch portion of the shoe so that the rearward side edge of said body portion abuts the forward face of the heel; and d. said body portion being laterally flared at the opposite edges of the ground-engaging bottom thereof to underlie the adjacent spikes protruding from the heel and the sole of the shoe; e. said body portion presenting an arcuate surface on one face thereof; and f. jaw means formed integrally with said body portions and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe.
 6. Guard means for a golf shoe having spikes or the like projecting from the under surface of the sole and heel portions thereof, including: a. a thickened body portion disposed for ground engagement and having shield means extending across the bottom of the shoe; b. said body portion presenting sloping sides for engagement between the spikes of the shoe; and c. vertical grooves at opposite sides of said body portion for frictional holding engagement with said spikes; d. said body portion presenting an Arcuate surface on one face thereof; and e. jaw means formed integrally with said body portion and extending upwardly for yieldable clamping engagement with and about a portion of the periphery of the sole at opposite sides thereof to hold the guard means securely in engagement with said shoe. 